Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [98]
Hotel Theatre (Map; 3988-2251; fax 3988-2260; www.theatres.co.jp/hotel, in Japanese; 1-21-4 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku; s/d/tw from ¥9135/12,600/16,275; ; JR Yamanote line to Ikebukuro, east exit) Located along Sunshine 60-dōri, this centrally located and clean hotel has typical business hotel amenities, such as LAN internet access, electric kettles and vending machines.
Hotel Strix Tokyo (Map; 5396-0111; fax 5396-9815; www.strix.jp, in Japanese; 2-3-1 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku; s/d from ¥15,000/20,000; ; JR Yamanote line to Ikebukuro, west exit) The most central and stylish option in the neighbourhood, the Strix is styled out in retro-inspired rooms with square furniture and red accents. Rooms and beds are quite spacious by business hotel standards. Look for its teal-coloured dome.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is full of business hotels accustomed to foreign guests, and the competition keeps prices reasonable. Near massive Shinjuku station, a hub for nearly every rail line snaking in and around Tokyo, this is a nonstop neighbourhood for travellers who want to be in the middle of all the buzz, and those doing business in the area.
MIDRANGE
Credit cards are accepted at the following hotels unless otherwise indicated:
City Hotel Lonestar (Map; 3356-6511; www.thehotel.co.jp/en/lonestar/index.html; 2-12-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; s/d/tw from ¥7350/12,075/13,650; ; Marunouchi, Toei Shinjuku lines to Shinjuku-sanchōme, exit C8) Though the name of this queer-friendly, no-frills hotel in Sanchōme was formerly known as the (much more delightful) Lornstar, the clean, modestly proportioned rooms here are excellent value. A simple continental breakfast is provided.
Shinjuku Park Hotel (Map; 3356-0241; fax 3352-2733; www.shinjukuparkhotel.co.jp; 5-27-9 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku; s/tw from ¥7900/14,000, Japanese-style r ¥24,800; ; JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku, new south exit) Just south of Takashimaya Times Sq, this pleasant business hotel has larger rooms than most. Solo travellers should spend up for a B-type single for the bigger bed, but everyone should try booking a room with a park view of Shinjuku-gyoen. Parking is a steal at ¥800 per night, and LAN internet access is free.
Hotel Sunlite Shinjuku (Map; 3356-0391; fax 3356-1223; www.sunlite.co.jp; 5-15-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; s/d/tw from ¥8715/12,275/14,375; ; Marunouchi, Toei Shinjuku lines to Shinjuku-sanchōme, exit C7) At the lower end of the midrange price scale, the clean and comfortable Sunlite won’t break the budget, and it even accepts credit cards. Cosy rooms are well maintained and have LAN internet, and its central location in east Shinjuku puts you near Shinjuku-gyoen, nocturnal life in Kabukichō and Shinjuku shopping. Parking costs ¥2000 per night.
Star Hotel Tokyo (Map; 3361-1111; fax 3369-4216; www.starhotel.co.jp/city/tokyo/index.html; 7-10-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; s/d from ¥9450/18,250; ; JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku, west exit) In west Shinjuku, this comfortable but rather average business hotel is very conveniently located and competitively priced. There’s free LAN internet access in rooms, and parking available for ¥1500 per night.
Shinjuku Washington Hotel (Map; 3343-3111; fax 3342-2575; www.shinjyuku-wh.com; 3-2-9 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; s/d/tw from ¥10,400/15,400/21,200; ; JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku, south exit) This large, efficient business hotel has in-house staff to help foreign travellers get their bearings around Tokyo. Though windows and rooms are small, they come equipped with free LAN internet access, fridge, and psychedelic decor if you’re lucky. Several restaurants and a convenience store provide sustenance downstairs.
TOP END
Hotel Century Southern Tower (Map; 5354-0111; fax 5354-0100; www.southerntower.co.jp; 2-2-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku; s/d from ¥18,680/28,120; ; JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku, Southern Tce exit) Graced with expansive views, this Shinjuku monolith is very reasonably priced for the intangible sense of space the windows reveal. If it weren’t so central and convenient,